Giants' Pierre-Paul hopes to return next week

Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is planning to return to the team next week, according to ESPN.

Pierre-Paul has been out all preseason due to a fireworks accident on July 4 which forced him to have his right index finger amputated. He has yet to sign his $14.8 million franchise tag and the Giants have not yet rescinded the offer.

Upon his return, Pierre-Paul will be examined by the team, according to ESPN.

He led the Giants with 12.5 sacks last season and finished fourth on the club with 77 tackles. When healthy, Pierre-Paul is a premier edge-rusher and run-stopper, and his return would be a welcome sight for a weakened Giants defense.